Dr. Karel Hujer came to Chattanooga as an associate professor of Physics and Astronomy at the former University of Chattanooga (now UTC) where he assumed the directorship of that university's recent acquisition of the Clarence T. Jones Observatory.
Dr. Hujer came to Chattanooga with a Doctor of Science degree (higher than Ph.D.) from Charles University in Prague. He immediately became active in the life of the Barnard Astronomical Society and gave lectures in Astronomy to churches and civic groups throughout the city.
One of the more notable characteristics he presented to Chattanooga audiences was his deep spiritualism, firmly rooted in Christian beliefs. He often quoted the psalmist who had asked, "Who is man that thou art mindful of him?" which related man's miniscule qualities to those opinions shared by Einstein and all the great philosophical - and spiritual - scientists. Dr. Hujer also loved the wisdom of St. Francis of Assisi, often quoting him as well.
Dr. Hujer could take you outdoors on a crystal clear winter's night to show you those bright stars of the winter sky and make you feel that you had seen the actual star of Bethlehem.
We need more people of his sort today.
Chester Martin